Congressional Spotlight Interview with Peyton Mace

From Home State Roots to Capitol Hill

Every two weeks, Leadership Connect sits down with a different Capitol Hill staffer to learn about the person behind the policy work. These conversations explore how staffers built their careers, the policy areas they care about, and the lessons they’ve learned navigating one of the most unique work environments in the country. This week, we spoke to Peyton Mace, Legislative Correspondent for the Office of Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.

Can you walk us through your career path and the steps that led you to where you are now?

I always knew that I wanted a career path in which I was contributing to something larger than myself. I believe that stemmed from growing up surrounded by family members who were in military service and law enforcement. My older cousins are my role models, and both are in the military. I always saw them as these larger-than-life figures, so when I graduated from high school, I knew that I too wanted to be of service to others.  

I attended college with the plan of receiving a degree in criminal justice and then becoming a police officer, but with time, that plan changed and so did I. In my last year of college, I was lucky enough to intern at Senator Whitehouse’s state office. The experience opened my eyes to a different kind of public service, one that I didn’t know I could participate in. I knew from that point on that this was the line of work I had to do.   

After graduating college, I joined the Senator’s reelection campaign, which would eventually lead me to work in his Washington, D.C. office, where I was a Staff Assistant/Driver and then a Legislative Correspondent. Each step of the way I gained valuable insight into how a Senate office and our government functions. These last few years have taught me more than I ever could have imagined, and I look forward to continuing to learn. 

Which policy areas or legislative issues are you most passionate about, and how do you stay informed and engaged in those specific areas?

I have always loved learning about history, so naturally the international affairs and defense portfolio interests me the most. I stay informed by reading newsletters and articles throughout the day, keeping me up to date on current events. On my own time I read books, watch documentaries, and listen to podcasts to try to fill the gaps in my knowledge.

Describe a rewarding aspect of your job that has significantly influenced your growth as a professional.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the fact that I get to work for my home state. It was not easy moving from Rhode Island to Washington, D.C. and saying goodbye to friends and family. However, I was able to do so because I knew the work was worthwhile. Whether I am giving a Capitol tour to a middle school class or meeting with an advocacy group to discuss legislation, I can do so happily because I get to do it for Rhode Islanders.